LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 59
Chapter 59. Self-Reflection and Endorsement
It seems I’ve caught Zilbagias witnessing my mother praising me with a strained face, only to later unleash her fury on the guard warriors.
“What on earth were you thinking, going so far as to—!”
With the veins bulging on her forehead, even a beautiful woman like Platy becomes quite the sight. Plus, dark magical energy is leaking out too.
The guards, drenched in cold sweat, endure Platy’s scolding. By the way, the older warrior, presumed to be the leader, was sitting on that damned bone chair, “Seat of Self-Reflection,” which is guaranteed to leave a bad buttache!
Seeing a grown man forced into that chair is truly a miserable sight…
Still, it was obvious this would happen. I wanted to avoid a lengthy lecture, so I casually brushed it off with a “Came, Saw, Conquered” attitude. But then Platy turned to Viene, Garunya, and the other attendants, demanding explanations…
Yeah, she totally caught me…
The fact that we almost got wiped out by the Breath attack, and that everything was over by the time the guards arrived…
Well, it was already clear that facing Faravgi, the leader of the White Dragon, was no easy feat.
“Even if I instructed you to observe from afar, what kind of nonsense is this—failing to come to aid when it matters? We managed to get through this time, but what would you have done if things had gone wrong? How do you intend to take responsibility!? Speak up!!”
This is what they mean by rage that reaches the heavens. Platy’s usual way of speaking has completely changed, sounding more like a military commander. Every word she uttered was irrefutable logic, leaving the guards speechless.
I had two options.
Either I could say, “This is getting too long, so I’ll excuse myself…”
Or I could defend the Reiju warriors and earn some brownie points.
At this rate, the scolding would drag on endlessly, and the one responsible would surely face severe punishment. Honestly, I didn’t care who among the demon race fell from grace, but if I added a word of support, I could earn some goodwill.
However, if I came off too condescending, they’d think I was just being a brat, and if I mentioned my own faults, I’d be perceived as weak.
I told Virosa, “I was also at fault, so you shouldn’t worry too much,” but I wasn’t sure if that vibe would resonate with the demon race.
My understanding of the demon race’s culture and customs is minimal. Even though I’ve acquired knowledge on paper, I’ve had too few opportunities to experience it firsthand. My social circle is practically limited to family (including half-siblings), after all…
What should I do?
“There are many who could have a positive influence, even if they’re not mere pawns,” said Antendeixis.
“Even now, we’re nurturing them carefully in their cage, but soon enough, relations with the family will gradually increase,” he added.
That makes sense.
“And it would be wise to win as many demons’ trust as possible; betrayal will be far more worthwhile.”
There’s a dark poison seeping out from you, Antendeixis.
But, you know… it’s all the same either way.
For now, I positioned myself beside the “Seat of Self-Reflection” against the wall, joining the guard warriors in listening to Platy’s scolding.
“…Zilbagias, what are you doing?”
Platy paused her reprimand, puzzled.
“No, I believe I also have points for self-reflection regarding this incident.”
I answered, maintaining a composed face.
“You see, I initially sent a Night Elf for reconnaissance, but ended up instructing them to ‘just look at the fortress from the outside.’ Once I sensed the presence of what seemed to be a human spellcaster, I should have either sent another reconnaissance or used magic from outside to smoke them out; that way, at least we wouldn’t have been caught off-guard…”
I took a brief pause to glance at the guards.
“What a surprise it was to discover the White Dragon, Faravgi, hiding in human form after evading pursuit from other dragons during the assault. It was an unexpected situation, but my over-cautiousness out of fear of being called ‘weak’ was a misjudgment on my part as commander during this exercise. I can’t just pretend it was someone else’s responsibility.”
I concluded that I wanted to use this incident as a lesson to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
“…………”
Platy, with a face stripped of venom, broke her stance and sank into the sofa.
“…Kuvirtar.”
“Yes!”
The leader, who had been punished with the “Seat of Self-Reflection,” straightened his back. So that’s his name, Kuvirtar.
“You commented previously. ‘Even if it’s a Demon Lord’s Prince, one shouldn’t treat them excessively specially; they should be raised like any other demons of the same age…'”
“…Yes.”
“This is the kind of child they are. Is there a necessity for it?”
“I am ashamed of my ignorance.”
Kuvirtar bowed his head, lips pressed together.
“……As for Zilbagias, I’ll let it slide for today, considering your face. You all will receive further instructions later. Use this failure as a lesson and make it count next time.”
“「Yes!」”
The men replied sharply, correcting their posture. Kuvirtar also stood up from the “Seat of Self-Reflection,” offered a silent bow to me, and exited the room.
“…They have discernment, so it’s fine.”
After a brief shared glance, Platy opened her fan and spoke.
“Such an attitude can also be perceived as softness—by those not directly involved and by those around you. Be mindful.”
“Yes.”
I thought so…
“Honestly, I don’t quite understand these nuances. Maybe it’s due to my limited interactions with my kin?”
“That’s true… Originally, it was a measure to protect you, a young one, from being influenced by the unruly.”
With a half-exasperated expression, Platy looked at me.
“At this point, it may not have been necessary.”
…I have no idea how to deal with demon infants or children, so it’s a relief in a way.
However, this time, by circumstances, I ended up interacting with members of the family.
Going forward, interactions with the demon race could be permitted…
“Well, we’ll think about that later. Next up is the punishment for the officials who messed up.”
With a snap! Platy shut her fan with an ominous expression returning to her face.
Those hobgoblin officials have no room for sympathy; they’re leeching off the Demon Lord Kingdom, so they’d better start working harder, or they might really lose their positions.
If the administration of the Demon Lord Kingdom gets streamlined, that would be a problem for me and my alliance. This country relies entirely on the Demon Lord, and it’s just about right for it to fall apart if he goes down.
—Just then, a knock came at the door.
“About that matter, Lady Sophia…”
Sophia entered, looking mildly dissatisfied.
“I was planning to tear the responsible person to pieces, but it seems they have already been dealt with by the faction of the Fourth Demon Prince.”
“Oh, is that so? Well, that’s only natural.”
“I didn’t bring it because it was gruesome, but is that alright?”
“Of course. I don’t want to see it.”
…Huh?
“Are you saying that it was, physically, just a head?”
“? What else could it be?”
“Oh… never mind.”
So they ended up being displayed in public as a warning… It must be tough being a parasite. If you anger your host, you get squashed like a bug.
“…That aside, Mother, I actually have a consultation regarding weapons.”
“What is it?”
“My knife, which I was using at the tip, broke—”
I started to talk about how it was quite effective when I used Virosa’s sword as a spearhead, how I wanted the option of a broad blade for slashing in spear combat, and how I wanted to consult a Dwarf blacksmith.
“Hmm… that old, stubborn man might say something absurd, but it might be worth a try,” Platy surprisingly accepted.
“Is that okay?”
“If it were an ordinary child, I would stop them to avoid odd habits developing. But you, at your age, are a person capable of defeating a leader of the Dragon Tribe. Silence all who argue against you with strength!”
As expected of a barbarian! Kind to the strong!!
“Moreover—while training, I noticed you were making unusually awkward movements.”
“Awkward…?”
“Yes. Now that I think about it, it makes sense. You were frequently using ‘cutting’ movements with the spear tip. Each time the blade didn’t cut as you intended, and the shaft made contact instead, you showed a look of regret each time.”
…She noticed all that. Platy is indeed a seasoned warrior.
“That being said, I was surprised by the story of the Sword Saint of the Night Elves. If such a powerhouse has recognized your skill, it’s undoubtedly that you have a talent for swordsmanship. I can’t let you become a swordsman but… I have no intention of stopping you from modifying the spear so that you can utilize your talent.”
With a snap, Platy clapped her hands, creating a sharp sound while smiling.
“Now, I can confidently say this to you. [You are a man worthy of succeeding the Demon Lord]. Do anything to become stronger, Zilbagias!”
—I didn’t need to be told twice.
I deepened my bow respectfully.
Thus, I would be visiting the blacksmiths of the Demon Lord Castle—Dwarven magical forges—with Sophia.